Pure Religion – The Orphanage Experience in Ghana

Ever since I became a Seventh-day Adventist (an Historic one, of course) there is one Spirit of Prophecy quotation which has always impressed me. “The Lord provides for the widow and the fatherless, not by a miracle in sending manna from heaven, not by sending ravens to bring them food; but by a miracle upon human hearts, expelling selfishness, and unsealing the fountains of Christ-like love. The afflicted and bereaved ones he commits to His followers as a precious trust. They have the very strongest claim upon our sympathy.” Ministry of Healing, 202. I found myself never to be satisfied with any other vocation until I purposed in my heart to take up that pure religion that is undefiled before God—to visit the fatherless ( orphans ) and widows in their affliction. James 1:27.

Mission Statement

I started an orphanage in my late mother’s dilapidated home. My mission has always been to bring orphans and needy children to my home, clothe and feed them primarily, bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, always hoping that their characters may be fashioned after the divine similitude.

It has never been that easy, but I have always been strengthened by Christ in the knowledge that “many of them [the orphans] have received an inheritance of evil. They are unpromising, unattractive, perverse, but they are the purchase of Christ, and in His sight are just as precious as our own little ones.” Ministry of Healing, 206. These poor ones are taught in the home during the day and in the evenings and on Sabbath they join our small local church (about 17 members) where they receive more lessons about the Saviour. This interaction makes them feel more of a sense of belonging in our society.

More Hands on Deck

By, and by, more local church members have gotten involved in diverse ways to help. Pastor Melvin Bankhead and his wife Cecilia from Ebenezer Hills, Arkansas, have always been a blessing to us. When Steps to Life came to see us, things improved rapidly. Now we have a decent kitchen, beds for the poor ones, and a roof over their heads. Sympathetic sponsors for the kids from far and near, through Steps to Life Ministry, has put more smiles on their faces. When the new building gets completed more and more orphans will be helped.

Every informed historic Adventist is involved in the proclamation of the Third Angel’s Message. At the orphanage in Ghana our strategy is to educate these poor young ones in these lines, and sooner or later they will be part of the Lord’s army in finishing the work.
Instead of giving all our attention to pets, lavishing affection upon dumb animals, we will devote all our time to these little children. How about you, brethren and sisters?

The End